Salomon Active Skin Set Pack Review

The Salomon Active Skin Set Pack is an amazing value, considering all that it has to offer. Available in 4L & 8L options, the Active Skin packs provide secure and comfortable storage of your gear during long trail runs. It has a dialed-in fit that sits comfortably high on the sternum to prevent bouncing when loaded with water and gear, and although this vest is on the lower end of Salomon's pack lineup, the material and fit are higher quality than a lot of premium vests from other brands. Our tester's one complaint was that the small bottle openings were slightly difficult to use when filling or cleaning, howevers for the price, these included flasks are a welcome bonus. Overall, the Active Skin is a well-made and comfortable running pack that we would recommend for the beginner trail runner or even the experienced trail veteran who wants to save some money while still getting a quality product.

David: "I found the fit to be true to size and consistent with my other Salomon packs. I'm 6'4" and 200 lb, and the large is spot on. This pack doesn't have the premium material or fit like Salomon's high-end vests (Advanced Skin or Sense Pro), but it still fits comfortably and works well on both the trails and roads. I was able to dial in the fit easily using the adjustable sternum straps. Even with full front bottles and loaded pockets, there is minimal bounce. While there weren't any major issues regarding the fit or comfort, I noticed that the armpits rested a bit high, which could cause some rubbing over longer distances. Also, the back material is constructed with a ripstop nylon material that adds to the durability but doesn't breathe well on hot summer days."

David: "With 8 litres of pack volume, there is enough storage for a half to full-day worth of running supplies. On the front, there are two bottle holsters that sit higher up, which enables the wearer to take a drink without needing to remove the bottle first. The other two front pockets are situated below and overlapping the bottle holsters. They can be difficult to access from the top when your bottles are full, but you can also reach them from the side through an alternate opening. The bulk of storage capacity is on the back of the pack, with a large zipper pocket for extra food and a separate sleeve for a reservoir. There's also an elastic bungee over the rear storage that lets you secure a light jacket or lock down the inner contents of the pack to prevent bouncing. The main problem with the back storage is that you need to remove the pack to access or store any items. For most runners, this won't be an issue unless the pack is fully loaded or you need to access an item during a race."

David: "This pack includes two 500ml soft flasks which provide plenty of hydration for a couple of hours of running. You can also add a bladder in the back if you don't want to use the flasks or need extra hydration for a longer self-sustained run. As I mentioned before, the bottles sit high on the front of the pack, so you can take a drink just by tilting your head down—no need to remove it first. The flasks are high quality, durable, and don't leak, but they can be a pain to put back in after a refill due to the snug overlapping front pockets. My only issue with the flasks is that the opening at the top is very small, so it gets messy when I'm trying to fill or clean them. They won't be able to fit ice cubes on warmer runs, and it makes adding hydration mixes challenging without a funnel."

David: "Overall, the pack is made from quality fabric. I didn't find any weak points in the material or construction. I was initially concerned that the elastic sternum straps would be too thin and not secure enough to prevent bouncing, but I hardly noticed them when I was on the move. This pack doesn't use the premium material from Salomon's high-end options, but it feels well made, and I can picture it lasting for years."

David: "The Active Skin 8 Set is easily one of the best packs in its price range. Not only is it well made and thoughtfully designed, but it includes two soft flasks for hydration. Also, there is plenty of storage for extra layers, food, and gear for over a half-day worth of running."